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| Geography |  The Rural Municipality (RM) of Hillsdale consists of 1,028.63 square kilometers (kms) northeast and southeast of the Village of Neilburg. Eleven townships, including the Hamlets of Baldwinton and Carruthers, are located within its boundaries that extend north to the RM of Eldon, east to the RM of Paynton and Cutknife, west to the RM of Manitou Lake, and south to the RM of Senlac.
Highway No. 40 runs through the middle of the R.M. east and west and Highway No. 21 north of Highway No. 40 towards Maidstone.
| | History | A proposal to form a Local Improvement District (L.I.D.) in the Neilburg area was addressed in 1909 and this led directly toward the formation of the RM of Hillsdale, as we know it today. The RM of Hillsdale was incorporated in 1913.
The Hillsdale Municipal office was moved to Neilburg in October of 1967. In 1991 a decision was made to construct a new facility, which would be shared by the Hillsdale Municipal Council and by the Village of Neilburg. They moved into their new office in August of 1992.
Over the years the R.M. has seen the construction of a new R.M. Shop, taking over of snowplowing, construction of many miles of main farm access, super grid and municipal roads, establishment of the Neilburg Veterinary Service Board and consequent construction of a veterinary clinic and introduction of arena grants.
| | Economic Information | The major industry of the RM of Hillsdale is in agriculture, both in grain and livestock production, and oil. The drilling of oil wells increased by leaps and bounds in the past few years and the oilfield has become a major employer in the R.M. with approximately 618 oil wells.
Mixed grain farming includes cereal grain, canola, peas, flax, lentils, and canary seed. Purebred and commercial cattle herds are plentiful. Assessment is at $51 million, with a population of 615 residents. The major trading centre is in the Village of Neilburg.
Leading employers are Manitou Hog Enterprises with 3 sites and Baytex Energy.
Lower land and housing costs; a highly-skilled workforce; a diversified economy; a reasonably priced and reliable supply of electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications services; a comprehensive, quality education system; and a health care system that is second to none, as well as, competitive labor costs and employer-provided benefits and the lowest corporate income tax rate in Western Canada for manufacturers and processors are just some of the advantages Saskatchewan has to offer.
A clean environment, wide-open spaces, abundance of raw materials, perfect environment for value-added processing and manufacturing, a competitive edge, and prime location within the region are just some of the reasons to consider doing business in this RM. Entrepreneurial opportunities are limitless. There has never been a better time to get on board!
| | Attractions | The RM of Hillsdale has kept its old school sites active by setting up historical markers, which is of great interest to many people. Another attraction includes the beginning of Manitou Sandhills.
Lilydale School was built in 1912 and officially closed in 1963. The Lilydale School is now re-opened for a variety of activities. It is a heritage site and a monument with a plaque has been erected in the schoolyard. From Neilburg: 18.5 kms east on Hwy. 40; 10 kms north on Hwy. 21 and then 1 km west.
| | Other Info | Ratepayers use schools, health centers and arenas in Neilburg and Cutknife and use the community halls in Neilburg and Baldwinton. A library and bowling alley is also available.
The RM Office is located in the Village of Neilburg and can be contacted at (306) 823-4321
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